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A Rewarding Career Awaits in the HVAC Industry. Just ask Frank Riley.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the aging workforce in technical and trade careers, including the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry, is a significant challenge. With advancements in energy management and new HVAC systems hitting the market every year, the need for young, skilled workers is more pressing than ever. However, attracting this…

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In today’s rapidly changing world, the aging workforce in technical and trade careers, including the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry, is a significant challenge. With advancements in energy management and new HVAC systems hitting the market every year, the need for young, skilled workers is more pressing than ever. However, attracting this next generation to trade careers has been increasingly difficult, leading to an alarming age gap between new hires and the older generation exiting the workforce. A 2022 Business Conditions survey indicated 57% of respondents experienced skilled labor shortages.

So, the question arises, “How can the HVAC industry attract and retain younger talent, and what does a successful career in this field look like?”

Frank Riley, a Chiller Technician at Engineered Cooling Services, A Service Logic Company, shared his journey in the HVAC industry and his perspective on working for Engineered Cooling Services.

In this spotlight, Frank discusses:

  • His early introduction to the HVAC industry and how it shaped his career
  • The importance of partnerships with local trade schools in mentoring future technicians and bridging the age gap in the industry
  • The ever-evolving future of HVAC, the need for young talent, and his advice to those considering this career path

Frank Riley began his career in the HVAC industry at the tender age of fifteen, working for his grandfather’s small residential company during the summers. His early introduction to the field instilled a strong work ethic in him and paved the way for a successful career. Over the years, he has become a valued Chiller Technician at Engineered Cooling Services, renowned for his knowledge and willingness to mentor younger team members.

Riley’s story is not just an inspiration for those considering a career in the trades but also a testament to the rewarding and evolving nature of the HVAC industry. His passion for teaching and nurturing the next generation of technicians has been instrumental in Engineered Cooling Services’ efforts to bridge the age gap in the industry. His commitment to the industry and his role in bringing in fresh talent underline the need for more young people to consider this ever-evolving field a fulfilling lifelong career.

Video TranscriptExpand ↓

I got my start in HVAC industry when I was in high school. About fifteen years old for working for the summers. For my grandfather, a small residential company, just installing units, running ductwork, started getting it a little bit into more of the service of things as, you know, years went went by. I really kind of think it really instilled a good work ethic in me. I got my starting to really great career. Here at Engineary cooling services, we have a great relationship with our local trade schools. We can bring on interns and try to, you know, mentor them a little bit and teach them how the industry is and what to expect. I think it's kind of a really important thing that we do here because not a lot of people are going into the trades these days. There's a large age gap between, you know, new hires and older guys getting out of the field. So really trying to educate the young, you know, the guys in trade schools as much as possible to try to get them to come into the field because, you know, we're needing more people every day. I think future to HVAC didn't it's ever evolving. I mean, we have energy management. We've got new machines coming out every year. You know, we really are needing more young people step up and want to get into the trades and want to learn how to work with their hands, and I think that's very important. When it comes to working with Frankie, what I like the most is I'm always gonna learn something that could always ask Frankie anything. I appreciate Frankie a lot. He's really helped me out to get where I'm at today. Impacted the next generation by showing what it takes to get to the level he's at, especially being not too much older than most of us. You shows you it's a goal. It's reachable, and it's there, but you got to dedicate it and show you want it and put in the work for it. I think my best advice for young people coming into this field of work would be to look at it more like it's gonna be your career and not just a job, your always gonna get out of something what you put into it. So just, you know, take ownership of it. You're gonna always have something to do because this is an industry is ever evolving. It's, you know, it's always going to go up.

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